The NFL is in the portion of its calendars where the league’s coaches and players are joining together for Organized Team Activities.
The 10 voluntary OTAs, held across three weeks, are basically an opportunity for coaches to get a first look at their team’s rookie class, veterans to start getting acclimated to any coaching changes, and some work in the weight room and practice field.
It is also an opportunity for media members and some fans to wring their hands over who is not in attendance at the voluntary workouts.
That noise has been amplified this year as more players than usual are not at team facilities at the urging of the NFLPA, which is working to modify the offseason program to preserve players' bodies for the rigors of the regular season.